How to Spot Trustworthy Free Software

Free software can be a fantastic resource, saving you hundreds on quality programs for everything from photo editing to budgeting.

As an open source advocate myself, I am always on the hunt for an open source alternative to commercial software. I don’t want greedy corporations tracking my every click and logging my personal data.

But as much as I love open source, I’ve learned the hard way that not all free programs are created equal. Some could be wolves in sheep’s clothing.

And if you’re not careful, that convenient freebie could cost you dearly in malware infections, data theft, and PC slowdowns.

Types of Malicious Threats in Free Software

It’s tempting to assume that any program from a legitimate-looking site is safe, but sadly, appearances can be deceiving online.

Even apps that seem straightforward can be filled with:

• Malware that damages files or spies on your data
• Adware that pummels you with pop-ups and browser redirects
• Spyware that tracks your online behavior
• Bloatware that hogs resources and slows performance

These threats aren’t just theoretical.

In recent years, security researchers have found malicious code hidden in everything from mobile games to browser extensions.

According to Avtest, there are over 1.2 billion malware programs in existence and the number is growing at an exponential rate.

One popular PC cleanup tool was caught selling user data to advertisers. Yikes!

So, the consequences can range from mildly irritating (constant ads) to downright destructive (stolen financial info).

So how do you tell the gems from the junk?

How to Check if the Software is Malware-free

Check the Landing Page

First off, let’s talk about the folks behind the software.

A little background check can go a long way! Start by visiting the developer’s website and ‘About’ page. Look for:

• Detailed info about the creators and their background
• Look up the company to see how long they’ve been in business
• Clear explanations of features with screenshots
• Installation instructions and system requirements
• Transparent monetization info (how do they fund development?)
• Privacy policy detailing any data collected

Be cautious if the website looks hastily thrown together or lacks basic business info.

Broken English, glaring typos, or minimal content can all be red flags. Legitimate developers take pride in their web presence.

Author’s Tip:  Always download directly from the official website of the software creator when possible. Avoid third-party download sites, which can bundle malware with the installer.

Dig a Little Deeper With the Community

An active and supportive user community is a major green flag for software quality. You should visit the official support channels (i.e. forums, knowledge bases, and FAQ pages) to see how the developer engages with users.

Are they prompt and helpful in addressing concerns? Do they seem receptive to feedback and suggestions? You can learn a lot by observing these interactions.

Unofficial user communities can be equally illuminating. Passionate fans often gather on platforms like Reddit, Facebook, or dedicated forums to swap tips, troubleshoot issues, and discuss their hopes for the software’s future.

You could also see if there are any learning resources like how-to blogs, video tutorials, and podcasts that have been created by the community. These can give you a sense of how invested users are in the software.

Check Download Counts and Updates

Another crucial clue is the download count.

A high number means lots of people are using it (a good sign) and any major flaws have likely been caught.

But a super popular program isn’t always better—sometimes the simplest tool is all you need.

You should also look at how often the software is updated. Frequent updates are usually a positive indicator that the developer is proactively improving the program, patching vulnerabilities, and adding new features.

Assess the Business Model

On that note, it’s wise to consider how a free software developer funds their work. Creating and maintaining software is expensive, so “free” is rarely truly free – there’s usually a catch.

Common monetization models for free software include:

• In-app advertising
• Selling user data and analytics
• Paid upgrades to ad-free or “Pro” versions
• Charging for cloud storage or additional features

While not all these tactics are necessarily red flags, it’s important to understand how “free” is being subsidized. If a program is 100% free with no apparent revenue model, be very wary –  malware or stolen code may be involved.

Do some digging into how the company behind the freeware sustains itself. Is their business model transparent? Have they been profitable for a while? Are their monetization methods fair and noninvasive? The answers can help you sniff out shady players.

Evaluating Open Source Code

If a free program claims to be open source, put that code to the test! A reputable open source project will:

• Use a standard open source license (MIT, GNU, Apache, etc.)
• Host its code on a major platform like GitHub or SourceForge
• Provide helpful comments explaining what the code does
• List any third-party libraries or dependencies
• Lay out a clear contribution process for submitting fixes

By contrast, a legitimate open source program repackaged with malware is a huge warning sign. As is source code with sketchy or obfuscated elements. If you have the tech chops, always vet that open source goodness.

Review Permissions

During the installation process, pay close attention to what permissions the software is requesting. Does a simple PDF reader really need access to your contact list and location? Probably not.

If the permission requests seem overreaching or unrelated to the app’s core function, cancel the install.

Watch out for any bundled “extras” like browser toolbars, dubious optimization utilities, or third-party adware. Uncheck any pre-selected add-ons and stick to the custom installation option for more control.

Read the Terms of Service

I get it, nobody likes slogging through pages of dense legalese. But when it comes to free software, it’s important to at least skim the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy before agreeing.

Why? Because “free” software often comes with hidden costs, like selling your personal data to advertisers or even claiming ownership of your content. The TOS is where they disclose how they’re profiting off you, the end user.

A clear, user-friendly privacy policy is a must in the age of GDPR and CCPA. Look out for clauses on:

• How they collect, use, and share your personal information
• If you own your content like photos and posts
• Arbitration clauses that limit your rights to sue
• How to cancel or auto-renew paid subscriptions
• Will they track your usage patterns and in-app activity
• If they sell your data to advertisers and third parties
• Do they use intrusive ads and trackers to make money

When in doubt, favor software that follows ‘privacy by design’ principles. These programs prioritize data minimization, transparency, and user control. They collect only what’s necessary for core functionality and make it easy for users to manage their preferences.

Get a Second Opinion

Still on the fence about a program? See what other experts are saying! There are some fantastic resources out there for checking if a file has a track record of shadiness:

• VirusTotal: Analyzes files and URLs with over 70 antivirus scanners and URL/domain blacklisting services.
• Web of Trust (WOT): Provides crowdsourced trust ratings for websites. Handy for vetting download sources.
• AlternativeTo: Suggests well-reviewed alternatives to popular software. Great for finding reputable options.

Testing in a Safe Environment

Not quite sure about a program? Do your initial test drive in a secure sandbox!

Here’s how:

1. Create a virtual machine (VM) or a sandbox environment to isolate the program.
2. Make sure your antivirus/antimalware tools are up-to-date and running.
3. Generate a unique throwaway password for any required registration.
4. Don’t provide any more personal info or permissions than absolutely necessary.

This lets you evaluate the software without risking your main system. Any malicious behavior will be safely contained. A VM is also handy for testing apps that seem greedy for permissions.

Check their Monetization Models

Developing software takes a lot of time and work, so it’s important to understand how “free” programs are funded.

One common model is donation-ware, where the developer asks for  voluntary contributions from satisfied users.

Another is the freemium  model, where the basic app is free but advanced features require a paid  upgrade.

Some free and open source software is supported by a community  of volunteers who work on it for free.

Ad-supported software is also  common, though this can come with risks. Some developers bundle optional third-party software and get a commission for each install.

And unfortunately, some free programs make money by collecting and selling  user data. Always check how a program is monetized before installing.

The Worst Case Scenario

But what if, despite your best efforts, you do end up installing a malicious program? First, don’t panic. Take a deep breath and follow these steps to contain the damage:

1. Disconnect your device from the internet to prevent data leaks or malware spreading.
2. Launch your security software and perform a deep scan to identify and remove threats.
3. Uninstall the offending app immediately and reboot your device in safe mode if needed.
4. Change any passwords you may have entered while the malicious program was active.
5. Carefully review financial statements and credit reports for signs of fraud or identity theft.
6. Consider signing up for identity monitoring to help spot suspicious activity in your name.

Remember, even the savviest among us can get duped. The scammers are always evolving, which is why staying informed is your best defense. You’ve got this!